* Hiking time: the given walking time does not include stops for pictures, picnics, breaks etc.!; it is conditional and generally based on an average hiker’s speed of 4-5 km/hr on flat terrain, additional 30 min for each 300 m elevation gain, and a backpack weighing not more than 10-15% of your body weight. Still this varies a lot on the fitness level, weather conditions, the group size and the hiking experience of each client within the group.

Musala a 2925-meter high peak in the Rila Mountains rises above all other mountain ranges on the Balkans. An alluring fact that attracts the interest of many Bulgarian and foreign hikers, who are determined to tick off the 6th highest peak in Europe from their wishlist. Musala means in Turkish – “Touching God”, a name that is truthfully capturing the sublime feelings one get when conquering the top of Rila. There the 360 degrees panorama with dozens of mind-blowing landscapes will leave you awe-inspired. No wonder, for many Bulgarians, the peak is an epitome of the Bulgarian mountaineering. The hike itself, though demanding at some parts, will grant you with unforgettable sights of pristine glacial lakes, steep ravines – a home of mountain goats, formidable peaks and tender alpine flowers. Are you ready?

GUIDED TOURThis is a small group guided tour that starts with an early morning 1.5-hour transfer to the Borovets Resort. You can opt to come to the meeting point or book a hotel pick up at an additional price. The road to there is pleasant and easily meanders along the western banks of Iskar Dam. Your guide will purchase the tickets for the cable car to Borovets that will take you to Yasterebets summit. The hike’s start will warm you up with a path with little ascent. There will be a short stop at Musala hut before the ascent to Ledeno ezero (“The Icy Lake”) mountain refuge and then to the summit, where you can celebrate your a where we celebrate your achievement with a cup of fragrant herbal tea. In clear wheater from you can see in the distance the peaks of all other significant mountain ranges in Bulgaria – the Balkan, Sredna Gora, Vitosha, Rhodopes, and Pirin.

SELF-GUIDED TOUROn the self-guided tour you will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the resort of Borovets. There you will be stopped at the bottom gondola station and your driver will give you a map and route notes. You have to take the gondola (your expense) to the top station (Yastrebets). Your walking trail starts from there and it is well marked and during the weekends there will be a lot of other people walking on it. In the afternoon your driver will be expecting you at the bottom gondola station to take you back to your accommodation in Sofia.

Dress appropriately for the season and for a hike that is above 2000 meters in the mountains. The weather changes quickly and you have to be prepared for cold showers even during the summer. Sun cream, sun glasses and hat are a must. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not accepted. You will have limited time for lunch or shopping. We recommend that you bring a lunch pack and water with you on the tour.